Novation Nio 2 4 Guitar Audio Interface
nio 2 | 4 is a 2 In / 4 Out mobile USB interface for the modern music maker. Nio 2 | 4 features Novation’s unique ‘Direct FX’ technology, placing a powerful multi-effects engine within nio 2 | 4’s custom drivers. These effects rest close to the core of your computer, working independently of other software and providing powerful ultra-low latency effects for hassle-free, real time jamming and recording. This same unique environment ensures rock-solid, lightning-fast performance, making it the ideal interface solution for home recording, live performing and DJ’ing alike; one size fits all. With two headphones outputs, it’s also an ideal solution for the classroom environment.
nio 2 | 4’s multi-effects engine includes a selection of the world’s finest guitar amp and distortion pedal effects, as well as filters, delay, chorus and phaser effects derived from Novation’s synth classic, the Supernova II. Finally, nio 2 | 4 features EQ, compression, gating and reverb solutions from signal processing experts, Focusrite.
nio 2 | 4 provides a quick flexible ‘Direct Mix Monitoring’ solution, With all key processes accessible from nio’s hardware, independent switching independent switching between three different monitor mixes is simple; the user can easily create custom mixes of two stereo computer audio streams alongside live inputs with applied effects. This, combined with four phono (RCA) outputs and flexible metering make nio 2 | 4 the ideal solution for laptop DJs and live performers (especially since nio 2 | 4 comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite 6 and a host of other software).
Two inputs are available for recording high quality audio into the DAW. An XLR with phantom power on the rear, and a ¼” Jack on the front, provide the two independent mic inputs. Switch to high impedance, and the same ¼” Jack provides a high-quality direct instrument input. A pair of phono (RCA) inputs can also be used to record a stereo signal, from a CD/MP3 player or synthesizer for example.
Nio 2 | 4 ships with Novation’s new Xcite+ bundle, which features a host of exciting software solutions and free samples, including Ableton Live Lite 6 and over a gigabyte of royalty-free ‘loopmaster’ samples; ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox.
Finally, nio 2 | 4 provides MIDI i/o and is bus-powered via USB. Combined with flexible input and output routing, powerful real-time ‘Direct FX’, unmatched stability and robust hardware design, nio 2 | 4 is the ideal mobile interface; ready to channel your creativity, any time, anywhere.
Key Features
- Direct FX Technology
Ultra-low latency effects allow hassle-free, real time jamming and recording.
- Direct Mix Monitoring
Unique, flexible, and tactile monitoring control over.
- 'Overloud' Guitar amp and distortion pedal effects
professional effects from the experts in the field of accurate Guitar Amp modeling.
- Powerful effects from Novation and Focusrite
Novation effects from the Supernova II and signal processing from Focusrite.
- Professional Inputs
Microphone, instrument or line-level sources. nio 2 | 4 is ready for anything, be it guitar, mic, synth, or MP3/CD player.
- Two Headphone Outputs
Simultaneous headphone mix for the artist and the engineer. Ideal for home recording and the classroom environment.
- Four RCA phono outputs
Combined with two streams of stereo digital audio via USB, nio is the ideal interface for the laptop DJ performing live.
Nio FX Rack


The nio FX rack includes a host of effects from the most prestigious names in music recording. Guitar Amp and distortion pedal effects comes from bespoke Italian software company 'Overloud'.
The effects are created using their unique 'analogue modeling' method, the focus of which is to reproduce the same tone characteristics and the same parametric behavior of the original unit modeled. Guitar Amp and distortion pedal effects include:
Distortion pedals
- Green Overdrive - Model based on the Ibanez Tube Screamer
- Meat Pie - Model based on the Electro Harmonix Bug Muff
- Distorter - Model based on the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
- 70s Fuzz - Model based on the Dunlop Fuzz Face
Amps
- V-AC - Model based on the Vox AC30 (with orig cab)
- US Valve 60's - Model based on a Fender Twin (with orig cab)
- UK Brit Rock - Model based on Marshall JCM900 (with orig cab)
- US Valve modern - Based on a MESA Boogie (with orig cab)
- US Valve Bass - Model based on a Fender Bassman (with orig cab)
In addition to these are powerful effects derived from Novation’s synth classic, the Supernova II.
Novation plug-ins include:
- Filters
- Chorus
- Phaser
- Delay
Finally, nio 2 | 4 features solutions from signal processing experts, Focusrite.
Novation plug-ins include:
- EQ
- Compression
- Gating
- Reverb
Specifications
Audio Interfacing
Inputs:
- 1 XLR (with phantom power)
- 1 TS Jack
- 2 RCA Phonos
Outputs:
- 4 RCA Phono
- 2 stereo Headphones Jacks
Other interfacing

System requirements
- Operating system: Mac OSX 10.2.4 or greater or Windows XP
- Computer spec: Apple G4/ 800 MHz or Pentium 1.4 GHz or better
Interfacing: USB 1.1 compatible USB connector